Automated financial transactions

ABSTRACT

Arrangements relate to processing financial transactions on an automated teller machine (ATM). An ATM identifier can be presented on a display of the ATM. An ATM identifier confirmation can be received from a mobile computing device. Responsive to determining that the ATM identifier confirmation matches the identifier presented on the display of the ATM, a customer authentication or a transaction request can be received from the mobile computing device. Responsive to verifying the customer authentication or the transaction request, the transaction request can be processed.

BACKGROUND

Arrangements described herein relate to interactions between financialentities and their customers.

Automated. Teller Machines (commonly referred to as ATMs) are devicesthat enable customers of financial entities to perform transactionsrelated to their financial accounts without the need for a humancashier, clerk or bank teller. Examples of transactions that can beconducted using ATMs include withdrawals, deposits, transfer of fundsbetween accounts, and account balance inquiries. To use an ATM, acustomer swipes or scans a card at the ATM. Once sufficientauthentication is provided, such as a personal identification number(PIN), a customer can input transaction details.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present invention, arrangements aredirected to a method of processing a financial transaction on anautomated teller machine (ATM). The method can include presenting an ATMidentifier on a display of an ATM. The method can also include receivingan ATM identifier confirmation from the mobile computing device. Themethod can further include, responsive to determining, via a processor,that the ATM identifier confirmation matches the identifier presented onthe display of the ATM, receiving a customer authentication or atransaction request from the mobile computing device. The method caninclude, responsive to verifying the customer authentication or thetransaction request, processing the transaction request.

A system for processing a financial transaction on an automated tellermachine (ATM) includes a processor programmed to initiate executableoperations. The executable operations include presenting an ATMidentifier on a display of the ATM. The executable operations alsoinclude receiving an ATM identifier confirmation from the mobilecomputing device. The executable operations further include, responsiveto determining that the ATM identifier confirmation matches theidentifier presented on the display of the ATM, receiving a customerauthentication or a transaction request from the mobile computingdevice. The executable operations include, responsive to verifying thecustomer authentication or the transaction request, processing thetransaction request.

A computer program product for processing a financial transaction on anautomated teller machine (ATM) includes a computer readable storagemedium having program code embodied therewith. The program code isexecutable by a processor to perform a method. The method can includepresenting an ATM identifier on a display of the ATM. The method canfurther include receiving an ATM identifier confirmation from the mobilecomputing device. The method can include, responsive to determining thatthe ATM identifier confirmation matches the identifier presented on thedisplay of the ATM, receiving a customer authentication or a transactionrequest from the mobile computing device. The method can furtherinclude, responsive to verifying the customer authentication or thetransaction request, processing the transaction request.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for automated financialtransactions in accordance with one embodiment disclosed within thisspecification.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of automated financialtransactions in accordance with one embodiment disclosed within thisspecification.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of automated financialtransactions in accordance with one embodiment disclosed within thisspecification.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of automated financialtransactions in accordance with one embodiment disclosed within thisspecification.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating various examples of a pagedisplayed on a mobile computing device in accordance with one embodimentdisclosed within this specification.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating various examples of a pagedisplayed on an ATM in accordance with one embodiment disclosed withinthis specification.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating various examples of a pagedisplayed on a mobile computing device in accordance with one embodimentdisclosed within this specification.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a system for determining forautomated financial transactions in accordance with one embodimentdisclosed within this specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclosure concludes with claims defining novel features, itis believed that the various features described herein will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the description in conjunction withthe drawings. The process(es), machine(s), manufacture(s) and anyvariations thereof described within this disclosure are provided forpurposes of illustration. Any specific structural and functional detailsdescribed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basisfor the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled inthe art to variously employ the features described in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedwithin this disclosure are not intended to be limiting, but rather toprovide an understandable description of the features described.

This disclosure relates to automated financial transactions.Arrangements described herein can facilitate the conducting of financialtransactions on automated teller machines (ATM) using a mobile computingdevice.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for automated financialtransactions in accordance with one embodiment disclosed within thisspecification. The system 100 can include one or more servers 105, oneor more automated teller machines (ATMs) 110 and one or more mobilecomputing devices 115. The server(s) 105, the ATM(s) 110 and/or themobile computing device(s) 115 can include suitable operational softwarefor performing the various functions described herein.

The mobile computing device 115 can be communicatively linked to the ATM110 and to the server 105 through one or more communication networks.Likewise, the ATM 110 can be communicatively linked to the server 105through one or more communication networks. In one or more arrangements,the communication network which the mobile computing device iscommunicatively linked to the ATM 110 and/or to the server 105 can bedifferent from the communication network which the ATM 110 iscommunicatively linked to the server 105.

As used herein, the term “communicatively linked” can include direct orindirect connections through a communication channel or pathway oranother component or system. A “communication network” means one or morecomponents designed to transmit and/or receive information from onesource to another. The communication network is the medium used toprovide communications links between various devices and data processingsystems connected together within network data processing system (orcomputing environment). The communication network may includeconnections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber opticcables. The communication network can be implemented as, or include, anyof a variety of different communication technologies such as a WAN, aLAN, Bluetooth low energy, a wireless network, a mobile network, aVirtual Private Network (VPN), the Internet, the Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN), or the like.

The one or more servers 105 can be implemented as a financial server ora banking server, or other communication hub or server capable ofperforming the various functions described herein. The server 105 caninclude suitable operational software for performing the variousfunctions described herein.

As used herein, the term “ATM” or “automated teller machine” means anydevice that provides a user interface that can enable a user to conductfinancial transactions with a financial entity. The ATM 110 can beprovided in any suitable form. For instance, the ATM 110 can be astandalone device (e.g. a kiosk) or it can be included as part ofanother structure (e.g. a building). The ATM 110 can be located remotelyfrom the financial entity associated with the financial transactionsbeing conducted on the ATM 110. The ATM 110 can be configured, arranged,and/or located to enable a user to approach the ATM 110 by foot or in amotorized vehicle or in any other suitable manner.

The ATM 110 can include a module 120 and a database. The ATM can includeone or more of the elements presented in FIG. 8. The ATM module 120and/or the database can be components of the ATM, or the module 120and/or the database can be executed on and/or distributed among otherprocessing systems to which the ATM is communicatively linked.

The ATM 110 can include one or more transceivers 125. A “transceiver” isdefined as a component or a group of components that transmit signals,receive signals or transmit and receive signals, whether wirelessly orthrough a hard-wired connection. The one or more transceivers 125 can belocated near, on and/or in the ATM 110. In one or more arrangements, atleast one of the transceivers 125 can be a signal beacon.

The transceiver 125 can be operatively connected to a processor and/ormemory elements of the ATM 110. Any suitable transceiver can be used toaccess a network, access point, node or other electrical device for thetransmission and receipt of data. The transceiver 125 may be a wirelesstransceiver using any one of a number of wireless technologies. Examplesof suitable transceivers include a cellular transceiver, broadbandInternet transceiver, local area network (LAN) transceiver, wide areanetwork (WAN) transceiver, wireless local area network (WLAN)transceiver, personal area network (PAN) transceiver, body area network(BAN) transceiver, WiFi transceiver, WiMax transceiver, Bluetooth lowenergy transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, 3G transceiver, 4Gtransceiver, ZigBee transceiver, WirelessHART transceiver, MiWitransceiver, MiFi transceiver, IEEE 802.11 transceiver, IEEE 802.15.4transceiver, or a Near Field Communication (NFC) transceiver, just toname a few possibilities. The transceiver 125 can include any wirelesstechnology developed in the future. Again, the transceiver 125 caninclude one or more transceivers and can be any suitable combination oftransceivers, including any combination of the transceivers noted above.

As noted above, the system 100 can include a portable or mobilecomputing device 115. The mobile computing device 115 can be, e.g., amobile telephone, a smart phone, a wireless-enabled personal digitalassistant, a portable computer, e.g., laptop, tablet or the like. Eachof these devices can include and/or execute suitable communicationsoftware, which enables the device to communicate with the server 105and/or the ATM 110 through a suitable communication network. The mobilecomputing device 115 can include one or more of the elements presentedin FIG. 8.

In one or more arrangements, the mobile computing device 115 can includea transaction module 130. The transaction module 130 can be stored on,accessed by and/or executed on a processor of the mobile computingdevice 115. The transaction module 130 can be implemented as computerreadable program code that, when executed by a processor, implement thevarious processes described herein. As defined herein, the term“processor” means at least one hardware circuit (e.g., an integratedcircuit) configured to carry out instructions contained in program code.Examples of a processor include, but are not limited to, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), an array processor, a vector processor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic array (PLA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), programmable logic circuitry, and a controller.

The mobile computing device 115 can further include one or moretransceivers 135. The transceiver 135 can be operatively connected to aprocessor and/or memory elements of the mobile computing device 115. Anysuitable transceiver can be used to access a network, access point, nodeor other electrical device for the transmission and receipt of data. Thetransceiver 135 may be a wireless transceiver using any one of a numberof wireless technologies. The various example of suitable transceiversdescribed above in connection with the ATM 110 are equally applicable tothe transceiver 135 of the mobile computing device 115.

The mobile computing device 115 can be operatively connected to theserver 105 to send transaction requests 140 and/or customerauthentication 145 thereto. “Transaction request” is defined as anelectronic communication from a computing device to another device,system or component that asks for an action to be taken with respect toa user account. As an example, the transaction request can be theexchange, distribution, withdrawal, deposit, movement and/or transfer offunds from a user's financial account. If the customer authentication145 is accepted, the transaction request 140 can be received. Thetransaction request 140 can be marked with any suitable notation. Forinstance, the transaction request 140 can be marked by the server 105 aspending. The transaction request 140 can be stored in a suitabledatabase 150. The database 150 can be stored on, accessed by and/orexecuted on the server 105. In some arrangements, the transactionrequest 140 can be associated with a customer record 155 included in thedatabase 150.

The server 105 can be operable to send one or more notifications 160 tothe mobile computing device 115. The notification 160 can include anysuitable information. For instance, the notification 160 can include anindication that the transaction request 140 has been received and/or ispending. The notification 160 can identify one or more ATMs 110 that areequipped to process the transaction request 140 (e.g. one or more ATMswith sufficient available cash to complete a cash withdrawal). In somearrangements, the server 105 can reserve the cash for the transactionrequest 140 at a specific ATM 110, which can be selected by the user orthe system. The mobile computing device 115 can process the notification160. The mobile computing device 115 can present the notification 160 orat least a portion of the information contained in the notification 160to a user. For instance, the mobile computing device 115 can inform auser to proceed to a specific ATM to complete the transaction request140.

The mobile computing device 115 can also be operatively connected to theATM 110. As will be described in greater detail below, the ATM 110 canbe configured to present an ATM identifier on a display 111 (FIG. 6)thereof “Display” is defined as a component or a group of componentsthat present information/data in visual form. Using the mobile computingdevice 115, a user can submit an ATM identifier confirmation 165 to onthe ATM 110. If the ATM identifier confirmation 165 sent from the mobilecomputing device 115 matches the ATM identifier displayed on the ATM110, the mobile computing device 115 can send the customerauthentication 145′ and/or the transaction request 140′ to the ATM 110.In some arrangements, the customer authentication 145′ and/or thetransaction request 140′ can be identical to the customer authentication145 and/or the transaction request 140 sent to the server 105.

The ATM 110 can be operatively connected to the server 105. Responsiveto receiving a transaction request 140, the ATM 110 can be operable tosend an authentication verification 170 to the server 105.

In one or more arrangements, the system 100 can include one or morenon-ATM devices 180. A non-ATM device is any device that iscommunicatively linked to the server 105 but is not enabled or equippedto fully process at least some transaction requests (e.g. cashwithdrawals and/or other financial transaction requests). The non-ATMdevices can allow a user's transaction requests that were input offlineto be synched with the server 105. Such synching can also be performedat an ATM 110.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 of conducting afinancial transaction on an automated teller machine (ATM) in accordancewith one embodiment disclosed within this specification. The ATM can beconfigured to receive an indication as to when a mobile computing deviceis located within a predetermined distance from the ATM. An “indication”includes directly or indirectly receiving a signal, directly orindirectly detecting, and/or directly or indirectly determining. Forexample, in some instances, the indication can be a signal received bythe ATM from the mobile computing device when the mobile computingdevice is located within a predetermined distance from the ATM. Forinstance, the mobile computing device (e.g., the transaction module) canbe configured to determine the distance between it and the ATM. When themobile computing device determines that it is within the predetermineddistance to the ATM, the mobile computing device can send a signal tothe ATM. In other arrangements, the indication can be the detection ordetermination by the ATM of a mobile computing device located within apredetermined distance from the ATM.

The ATM can be configured to determine whether the ATM is currentlybeing used by a user. If an indication is received that the mobilecomputing device is not located within the predetermined distance fromthe ATM and/or if the ATM is determined as being used by another user,the ATM identifier for the detected mobile computing device is notdisplayed on the ATM.

Responsive to receiving an indication that a mobile computing device islocated within the predetermined distance from the ATM and adetermination that the ATM is not being used by another user, an ATMidentifier can be presented on a display of the ATM at step 205. Anexample of the display of an ATM identifier on the ATM is shown anddescribed in connection with FIG. 6 below.

The predetermined distance can be any suitable distance. In one or morearrangements, the predetermined distance can be about 6 feet, about 5feet or less, about 4 feet or less, about 2 feet or less, about 1 footor less, about 6 inches or less, about 5 inches or less, about 4 inchesor less, about 3 inches or less, about 2 inches or less, or about 1 inchor less. In one or more arrangements, predetermined distances can beabout 330 feet or less, about 300 feet or less, about 250 feet or less,about 200 feet or less, about 150 feet or less, about 100 feet or less,about 50 feet or less, about 25 feet or less, or about 10 feet or less.In one or more arrangements, the predetermined distance can be definedby the specifications of the particular communication network beingused.

At step 210, an ATM identifier confirmation can be received from themobile computing device. It can be determined whether the ATM identifierconfirmation matches the identifier displayed on the ATM. If the ATMidentifier confirmation does not match the identifier displayed on theATM, the user can be prompted to select the image again. If the ATMidentifier confirmation matches the identifier displayed on the ATM, acustomer authentication and a transaction request can be received fromthe mobile computing device at step 215.

The customer authentication and/or the transaction request can beverified. For instance, verification can include comparing the receivedcustomer authentication and/or the received transaction request againstthe information stored on and/or accessed by the one or more servers105. If the received customer authentication and/or the receivedtransaction request do not match the information stored on and/oraccessed by the one or more servers 105, the received transactionrequest can be canceled by the ATM 110 and/or the server 105.

At step 220, responsive to verifying the customer authentication, thetransaction request can be processed. “Processed” or “processing” meansperforming one or more actions, operations, changes and/or functions toeffectuate a transaction request. In one or more implementations, thetransaction request can be processed by the ATM. For instance, thetransaction request can be a cash withdrawal in a specified amount. Insuch case, the server can instruct and/or authorize the ATM to dispensethe specified amount of cash. As a further example, the transactionrequest can be a funds transfer, a bill payment, or a person to personpayment. In one or more implementations, the ATM can instruct and/orauthorize the server to process the transaction request.

In one or more arrangements, the result of the transaction can bedisplayed on the ATM. In one or more arrangements, the result of thetransaction can be displayed on the mobile computing device. In one ormore arrangements, additional information and/or instructions can bepresented to the user on the ATM and/or the mobile computing device. Asan example, if the transaction is a cash withdrawal, the ATM and/or themobile computing device can instruct the user to take the cash dispensedby the ATM. As another example, the ATM and/or the mobile computingdevice can inform the user of a problem with the transaction and/orwhether the transaction is canceled.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 of conducting afinancial transaction in accordance with one embodiment disclosed withinthis specification. A transaction request can be sent to a server. Thetransaction request can be input by a user (e.g. a person) in anysuitable manner on any suitable computing device, such as the mobilecomputing device 115.

A notification can be received. The notification can include anysuitable information concerning the requested transaction. In one ormore arrangements, the notification can inform the user of the status ofthe requested transaction (e.g. the requested transaction is pending).In one or more arrangements, the notification can instruct the user tocomplete the requested transaction at an ATM 110.

In some arrangements, the notification can include information about oneor more ATMs 110 that are near the user's current location or within auser or system specified distance from the user's current location. Thenotification can present a list of one or more ATMs 110 that arecurrently enabled or equipped to complete the transaction. For instance,when the requested transaction is a cash withdrawal, a list of one ormore ATMs that have sufficient cash available to complete the cashwithdrawal can presented.

At step 305, signals from one or more transceivers associated with theATM can be detected by the mobile computing device. The ATM can be anATM identified in the notification, or the ATM can be an ATM that wasnot included in the notification.

At step 310, based on the detected signals from the one or moretransceivers associated with the ATM, the location of the ATM relativeto the mobile computing device can be determined and/or the distance tothe ATM relative to the mobile computing device can be determined. Themobile computing device, such as the transaction module, can beconfigured to determine the location of and/or the distance to the ATMin any suitable manner. As an example, the location of and/or thedistance to the ATM relative to the mobile computing device can bedetermined by any using any suitable triangulation technique ormethodology.

At step 315, location information of the ATM relative to the mobilecomputing device can be presented on the mobile computing device. Thelocation information can be presented in real-time. The locationinformation can include the current distance to the ATM from the currentlocation of the mobile computing device. The location information caninclude the relative location of the ATM with respect to the currentlocation of the mobile computing device. The location information can bepresented in any suitable manner. One example of the presentation of thelocation information is shown in and described in connection with FIG. 5below.

The mobile computing device (e.g. the transaction module) can beconfigured to determine whether the mobile computing device is locatedwithin a predefined distance from the ATM. The mobile computing device(e.g. the ATM module) can be configured to determine whether the ATM iscurrently being used by another user. For instance, the mobile computingdevice can query the ATM as to its current usage status. The ATM canrespond by indicating that it is currently available for use (e.g. it isnot currently being used by another person), that it is not currentlyavailable for use (e.g. it is currently being used by another person orit otherwise cannot currently perform transactions), etc. Thedetermination can be made on a continuous, periodic, irregular or evenrandom basis.

At step 320, responsive to a determination that the mobile computingdevice is located within a predefined distance from the ATM and adetermination that the ATM is currently available for use, a userinterface can be presented on the mobile computing device for receivingan ATM identifier confirmation. One example of such a user interface ispresented and described in connection with FIG. 7 below. If it isdetermined that the mobile computing device is not located with apredefined distance from the ATM and/or if it is determined that the ATMis not currently available for use, then a user interface for receivingan ATM identifier confirmation is not presented on the mobile computingdevice. Further, if it was determined that the mobile computing deviceis located with a predefined distance from the ATM and that the ATM iscurrently available for use, but if the status of one or both of thosedeterminations subsequently changes, then the presented user interfacefor receiving an ATM identifier confirmation can be closed ordeactivated.

At step 325, responsive to a received ATM identifier confirmationmatching an ATM identifier displayed on the ATM, sending a customerauthentication (e.g. a PIN) and/or a transaction request to the ATM. Ifthe received ATM identifier confirmation does not match the ATMidentifier displayed on the ATM, the user can be prompted to input theATM identifier confirmation again. Alternatively, the user may beprompted to input a new ATM identifier confirmation. If the ATMidentifier confirmation does not match the ATM identifier displayed onthe ATM after a predetermined number of attempts, the requested accountand/or the requested transaction can be locked or canceled or otheraction can be taken.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 of conducting afinancial transaction in accordance with one embodiment disclosed withinthis specification. At step 405, a transaction request can be receivedfrom a user. At step 410, a notification can be sent to a user tocomplete the transaction request at an ATM. The notification can includeany suitable information concerning the requested transaction. In one ormore arrangements, the notification can inform the user of the status ofthe requested transaction (e.g. the requested transaction is pending).In one or more arrangements, the notification can instruct the user tocomplete the requested transaction at an ATM 110.

In some arrangements, one or more ATMs communicatively linked to theserver can be queried or assessed by the server to determine whether theATM is currently enabled or equipped to complete the transaction. Thenotification can include information about one or more ATMs 110 that arenear the user's current location or within a user or system specifieddistance from the user's current location. The notification can presenta list of one or more ATMs 110 that are currently enabled or equipped tocomplete the transaction. For instance, when the requested transactionis a cash withdrawal, a list of one or more ATMs that have sufficientcash available to complete the cash withdrawal can be sent to the user.

The transaction request can be stored in a suitable database. Forinstance, the transaction request can be stored on the server and/oraccessed from a database communicatively coupled to the server. Thetransaction request can be marked with any suitable information. Forinstance, the transaction request can be marked as pending.

When an ATM receives customer authentication and/or a transactionrequest from a mobile computing device, the ATM can send a verificationrequest to the server. The verification request can be processed by theserver to determine whether the information includes in the verificationrequest matches an existing customer record. For instance, it can bedetermined whether the customer authentication matches the customerauthentication included in the existing customer record. In thisrespect, “match” or “matches” means that the received customerauthentication and the customer authentication included in the existingcustomer record are identical. In some embodiments, “match” or “matches”can also mean that the received customer authentication and the customerauthentication included in the existing customer record aresubstantially identical. For instance, the received customerauthentication and the customer authentication included in the existingcustomer record can match within a predetermined probability (e.g., atleast about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95% or greater) orconfidence level.

Alternatively or in addition, it can be determined whether thetransaction request matches the transaction request including in anexisting customer record. At step 415, responsive to verifying theverification request, the transaction request can be processed. If theverification request is not verified (e.g. the customer authenticationand/or the transaction request does not match an existing customerrecord), the server can command the ATM to decline, cancel, suspend orhold the transaction request. In this respect, “match” or “matches”means that the received transaction request and the transaction requestincluded in the existing customer record are identical. In someembodiments, “match” or “matches” can also mean that the receivedtransaction request and the transaction request included in the existingcustomer record are substantially identical. For instance, the receivedtransaction request and the transaction request included in the existingcustomer record can match within a predetermined probability (e.g., atleast about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95% or greater) orconfidence level.

At step 420, responsive to verifying the customer authentication, thetransaction request can be processed. In one or more implementations,the transaction request can be processed by the server. In one or moreimplementations, the server can instruct and/or authorize the ATM toprocess the transaction request. For instance, the transaction requestcan be a cash withdrawal in a specified amount. In such case, the servercan instruct and/or authorize the ATM to dispense the specified amountof cash. In some instances, the transaction request can be a billpayment, a person to person payment and/or a funds transfer. The servercan deduct the withdrawn amount from the appropriate account. The servercan mark the transaction as being completed.

An ATM locator page can be presented to a user of the mobile computingdevice. One example of an ATM locator page 500 is shown in FIG. 5. TheATM locator page 500 can be presented on a display 116 of the mobilecomputing device 115 in any suitable manner, including, for example, inan application screen, a web-browser, a main window, a “pop-up” window,a dialog box, or other manner of display. The ATM locator page 500 canpresent any suitable information to a user to guide a user to an ATM.

The information presented on the ATM locator page 500 can be updateddynamically in real-time as the user moves relative to the ATM. As usedherein, the term “real time” means a level of processing responsivenessthat a user or system senses as sufficiently immediate for a particularprocess or determination to be made, or that enables the processor tokeep up with some external process.

The ATM locator page 500 can include one or more user interfaceelements, such as graphical user interface elements (e.g. buttons), tofacilitate a user's finding of an ATM. A “user interface element” isdefined as a component or a group of components that enables a user tointeract with a machine. The term user interface element includesgraphical user interface elements. A “graphical user interface element”is defined as an image or a portion of an image that presentsinformation to a user or allows the user to interact with a devicethrough a display.′

In one or more arrangements, the ATM locator page 500 can present adirectional graphical user interface element, such as an arrow 505. Thearrow 505 can point in the direction of the ATM relative to the currentlocation of the user. In one or more arrangements, the ATM locator pagecan present a graphical user interface element representing the ATM 510and/or a graphical user interface element representing the user 515. Thearrangement of the graphical user interface element representing the ATM510 and/or the graphical user interface element representing the user515 can be updated in real-time as the user moves relative to the ATM.Thus, the positions of the graphical user interface element representingthe ATM 510 and/or the graphical user interface element representing theuser 515 can change on the ATM locator page 500.

The ATM locator page 500 can also present information to facilitate auser's orientation. For instance, the ATM locator page 500 can present agraphical user interface element that represents one or more compasspoints. As an example, the graphical user interface element can be anorth compass point 520, as shown in FIG. 5.

In one or more arrangements, the ATM locator page 500 can presentinformation in other forms. For instance, information can be presentedas text on the ATM locator page 500. For instance, the ATM locator page500 can present information about the approximate distance between theuser and the ATM 525, as determined by the mobile computing device 115or otherwise. The distance can be presented in any suitable unit ofmeasure.

The ATM locator page 500 can permit a user to hide or close the page.For example, a user may see the ATM and no longer needs the informationpresented on the ATM locator page 500. To that end, one or more userinterface elements can be presented to the user, such as “OK” button530.

An ATM welcome screen can be presented to a user on a display of theATM. One example of an ATM welcome screen 600 is shown in FIG. 6. TheATM welcome screen 600 can be displayed in any suitable manner on adisplay 111 of the ATM 110. The ATM welcome screen 600 can present anysuitable information to a user.

For instance, the ATM welcome screen 600 can include a transactionindicator 610. The transaction indicator 610 can be presented in anysuitable form. For instance, the transaction indicator 610 can bepresented as text indicating whether or not there is a pendingtransaction.

Further, the ATM welcome screen 600 can present one or more ATMidentifiers 615. In one or more arrangements, the ATM identifier 615 canbe an image. Any suitable image can be presented. The image can beselected from a plurality of images in a database that can be located onor otherwise accessible by the ATM. The selection of the image can occurrandomly or in any suitable manner.

While FIG. 6 shows an example in which the ATM identifier 615 is ageometric shape, it will be understood that the ATM identifier 615 isnot limited in this respect. Indeed, the ATM identifier 615 can be, forexample, one or more letters, numbers, words, phrases, symbols,characters, pictures, illustrations and/or combinations thereof.

In one or more arrangements, the ATM welcome screen 600 can include arequest 625 for user input of a sequence of characters as the ATMidentifier. For instance, the ATM identifier can be an alphanumericsequence. “Alphanumeric sequence” means a plurality of letters and/ornumbers. In one or more arrangements, the alphanumeric sequence can bethe user's PIN. Alternatively, the alphanumeric sequence can bedifferent from the user's PIN. In some arrangements, the alphanumericsequence can be generated randomly or in any other suitable manner bythe ATM or one or more system components. The generated alphanumericsequence can be presented on the display 111 of the ATM 110.

The ATM welcome screen 600 can present instructions 620 with respect tothe displayed ATM identifier image 615. For instance, the ATM welcomescreen 600 can instruct a user to select the displayed image from aplurality of images displayed on the user's mobile computing device 115.The ATM welcome screen 600 can present instructions 625 with respect tothe user's PIN or an alphanumeric sequence. As an example, the ATMwelcome screen 600 can instruct a user to input the PIN or alphanumericsequence on the mobile computing device. As another example, the ATMwelcome screen 600 can provide an input field 630 to receive a userinput using a suitable user interface element of the ATM (e.g. keypad635).

An ATM identifier input page can be presented to a user on the mobilecomputing device. One example of an ATM identifier input page 700 isshown in FIG. 7. The ATM identifier input page 700 can be displayed inany suitable manner on the mobile computing device, including, forexample, in an application screen, a web-browser, a main window, a“pop-up” window, a dialog box, or other manner of display. The ATMidentifier input page 700 can present any suitable information tofacilitate a user's input of a suitable ATM identifier.

As an example, when the ATM identifier is an image, a plurality ofimages 705, 710, 715 can be presented on the ATM identifier input page.One of the plurality of images can be identical to the ATM identifierpresented on the ATM welcome screen (e.g. image 710 in FIG. 7 isidentical to the ATM identifier 615 in FIG. 6). Any suitable quantity ofimages can be presented. While FIG. 7 shows three images as beingpresented, it will be understood that arrangements are not limited tothree images. Indeed, for example, more than three images can bepresented to the user on the ATM identifier input page 700.

The ATM identifier input page 700 can present instructions 720 withrespect to the displayed plurality of ATM identifiers 705, 710, 715. Forinstance, the instructions 720 can instruct a user to select one of theimages presented on the mobile computing device that matches the imagepresented on the ATM screen.

In one embodiment, the display of the mobile computing device can be atouch screen display or a multi-touch display. The touch screen canallow a user to engage or interact with one or more displayed elements,such as a graphical user interface (GUI), and/or other applicationsrunning on the mobile computing device through, for example, contactwith the display. For example, a user may make selections by simplytouching the display via a finger or stylus, which may be interpreted bythe device to perform an action based on the touch event.

The ATM identifier input page 700 can permit a user to hide the page,close the page and/or otherwise cancel the transaction. To that end, oneor more user interface elements can be presented to the user, such as a“Cancel” button 725.

Arrangements described herein can permit a user to conduct financialtransactions in a convenient and secure manner. Arrangements describedherein can permit a user to conduct financial transactions withoutdirect interaction with an ATM, except for removing any cash dispensedfrom the ATM. Also, arrangements herein can allow a user to completefinancial transactions on a mobile computing device without requiring anInternet-based communications networks (e.g. Wi-Fi) are not available.Indeed, Internet-based communication networks are not readily available,are not strong or are otherwise not reliable in certain ATM locations(e.g. a lower level of an indoor shopping mall).

Arrangements described herein can ensure that a user is sufficientlyclose to an ATM before processing a transaction. Arrangements describedherein can also provide an additional security measure to ensure thatthat user and/or ATM is uniquely identified before dispensing cash.Arrangements described herein can also facilitate precisely locating anATM and/or guiding a user to the ATM without relying on a GlobalPositioning System or other geo-location systems (e.g. Wi-Fi), which maybe weak, unavailable, unreliable and/or insufficiently accurate formicro-location detection in certain ATM locations.

Further, arrangements described herein can enable a user to conductfinancial transactions without being dependent on lighting conditions,camera quality and favorable weather in outdoor locations. Further,arrangements described herein can avoid the need for scanning barcodesor QR codes using a camera.

Financial entities (e.g. banks) can use the ATMs and non-ATM devices assynching points. At such locations, users who do not have mobileInternet access can complete their offline transactions as a means ofsynching their offline transactions with a server of the financialentity.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processingsystem 800. The data processing system 800 can be a part of the server105, the ATM 110 and/or the mobile computing device 115. System 800 caninclude at least one processor (e.g., a central processing unit) 805coupled to memory elements 810 through a system bus 815 or othersuitable circuitry. As such, system 800 can store program code withinmemory elements 810. Processor 805 executes the program code accessedfrom memory elements 810 via system bus 815 or the other suitablecircuitry.

In one aspect, system 800 is implemented as a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus that is suitable for storingand/or executing program code. It should be appreciated, however, thatsystem 800 can be implemented in the form of any system including aprocessor and memory that is capable of performing and/or initiating thefunctions and/or operations described within this disclosure. Further,system 800 can be implemented in any of a variety of different formfactors including, but not limited to, a portable device such as amobile communication device, a tablet computing and/or communicationdevice, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a server,or the like.

Memory elements 810 include one or more physical memory devices such as,for example, local memory 820 and one or more bulk storage devices 825.Local memory 820 refers to RAM or other non-persistent memory device(s)generally used during actual execution of the program code. Bulk storagedevice(s) 825 can be implemented as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid statedrive (SSD), or other persistent data storage device. System 800 alsocan include one or more cache memories (not shown) that providetemporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce thenumber of times program code must be retrieved from bulk storage device825 during execution.

Input/output (I/O) devices such as a keyboard 840, a display 830, and apointing device 835 optionally can be coupled to system 800. The I/Odevices can be coupled to system 800 either directly or throughintervening I/O controllers. One or more network adapters 845 also canbe coupled to system 800 to enable system 800 to become coupled to othersystems, computer systems, remote printers, and/or remote storagedevices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cablemodems, wireless transceivers, and Ethernet cards are examples ofdifferent types of network adapters 845 that can be used with system800.

As pictured in FIG. 8, memory elements 810 can store the ATM module 120in the case of the ATM 110. Alternatively, memory elements 810 can storethe transaction module 130 in the case of the mobile computing device115. The ATM module 120 or the transaction module 130, being implementedin the form of executable program code, is executed by system 800 and,as such, is considered an integrated part of system 800. Moreover, theATM module 120 or the transaction module 130, including any inputsreceived or outputs generated thereby, are functional data structuresthat impart functionality when employed as part of system 800.

The transaction request(s), the customer authentication, and/or the ATMidentifier confirmation can be output to, and stored within, memoryelements 810. As used herein, “outputting” and/or “output” can meanstoring in memory elements 810, for example, writing to a file stored inmemory elements 810, writing to display 835 or other peripheral outputdevice, playing audible notifications, sending or transmitting toanother system, exporting, or the like.

For purposes of simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shownin the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative toother elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate,reference numbers are repeated among the figures to indicatecorresponding, analogous, or like features.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The term “computer readable storage medium” means a storage medium thatcontains or stores program code for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. As defined herein, a“computer readable storage medium” is not a transitory, propagatingsignal per se. The computer readable storage medium can be a tangibledevice that can retain and store instructions for use by an instructionexecution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, forexample, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magneticstorage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storagedevice, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,”“including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisdisclosure, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Reference throughout this disclosure to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment described within this disclosure.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in anembodiment,” and similar language throughout this disclosure may, but donot necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more thantwo. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a secondor more. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected,whether directly without any intervening elements or indirectly with oneor more intervening elements, unless otherwise indicated. Two elementsalso can be coupled mechanically, electrically, or communicativelylinked through a communication channel, pathway, network, or system. Theterm “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and allpossible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Itwill also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms, as these terms are only used to distinguishone element from another unless stated otherwise or the contextindicates otherwise.

The term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in responseto determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context.Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated conditionor event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or“in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition orevent]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],”depending on the context.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A computer-implemented method of conducting, by amobile computing device, a financial transaction on an automated tellermachine (ATM), comprising: receiving, by the mobile computing device andfrom a display of the ATM, an ATM identifier; transmitting, by themobile computing device and to the ATM, an ATM identifier confirmation;and transmitting, by the mobile computing device and responsive to adetermination that the ATM identifier confirmation matches theidentifier presented on the display of the ATM, a customerauthentication or a transaction request, wherein the ATM processes thetransaction request responsive to verifying the customer authenticationor the transaction request.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the ATMidentifier is an image, and the mobile computing device presents aplurality of images on a display of the mobile computing device, and oneof the plurality of images is substantially identical to the image onthe display of the ATM.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein theidentifier is an alphanumeric sequence.
 24. The method of claim 21,wherein the transaction request is a withdrawal of a specified amount ofcash from an account, and the processing the transaction requestincludes dispensing the specified amount of cash from the ATM.
 25. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the mobile computing device provides anindication that the mobile computer device is located within apredetermined distance from the ATM, and the ATM identifier is presentedon the display of the ATM responsive to receiving the indication. 26.The method of claim 25, wherein the ATM identified is presented on thedisplay of the ATM responsive to a determination that the ATM isavailable for use.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the ATMidentifier confirmation is sent from the mobile computing device over aBluetooth low energy communication network.
 28. A mobile deviceconfigured to a financial transaction on an automated teller machine(ATM), comprising: a hardware processor configured to initiate thefollowing executable operations: receiving, by the mobile computingdevice and from a display of the ATM, an ATM identifier; transmitting,by the mobile computing device and to the ATM, an ATM identifierconfirmation; and transmitting, by the mobile computing device andresponsive to a determination that the ATM identifier confirmationmatches the identifier presented on the display of the ATM, a customerauthentication or a transaction request, wherein the ATM processes thetransaction request responsive to verifying the customer authenticationor the transaction request.
 29. The mobile device of claim 28, whereinthe ATM identifier is an image, and the mobile computing device presentsa plurality of images on a display of the mobile computing device, andone of the plurality of images is substantially identical to the imageon the display of the ATM.
 30. The mobile device of claim 28, whereinthe identifier is an alphanumeric sequence.
 31. The mobile device ofclaim 28, wherein the transaction request is a withdrawal of a specifiedamount of cash from an account, and the processing the transactionrequest includes dispensing the specified amount of cash from the ATM.32. The mobile device of claim 28, wherein the mobile computing deviceprovides an indication that the mobile computer device is located withina predetermined distance from the ATM, and the ATM identifier ispresented on the display of the ATM responsive to receiving theindication.
 33. The mobile device of claim 32, wherein the ATMidentified is presented on the display of the ATM responsive to adetermination that the ATM is available for use.
 34. The mobile deviceof claim 28, wherein the ATM identifier confirmation is sent from themobile computing device over a Bluetooth low energy communicationnetwork.
 35. A computer program product, comprising: a hardware storagedevice having stored therein program code for conducting, by a mobilecomputing device, a financial transaction on an automated teller machine(ATM), the program instructions, which when executed by the mobilecomputing device, cause the mobile computing device to perform:receiving, by the mobile computing device and from a display of the ATM,an ATM identifier; transmitting, by the mobile computing device and tothe ATM, an ATM identifier confirmation; and transmitting, by the mobilecomputing device and responsive to a determination that the ATMidentifier confirmation matches the identifier presented on the displayof the ATM, a customer authentication or a transaction request, whereinthe ATM processes the transaction request responsive to verifying thecustomer authentication or the transaction request.
 36. The computerprogram product of claim 35, wherein the ATM identifier is an image, andthe mobile computing device presents a plurality of images on a displayof the mobile computing device, and one of the plurality of images issubstantially identical to the image on the display of the ATM.
 37. Thecomputer program product of claim 35, wherein the identifier is analphanumeric sequence.
 38. The computer program product of claim 35,wherein the transaction request is a withdrawal of a specified amount ofcash from an account, and the processing the transaction requestincludes dispensing the specified amount of cash from the ATM.
 39. Thecomputer program product of claim 35, wherein the mobile computingdevice provides an indication that the mobile computer device is locatedwithin a predetermined distance from the ATM, and the ATM identifier ispresented on the display of the ATM responsive to receiving theindication.
 40. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein theATM identified is presented on the display of the ATM responsive to adetermination that the ATM is available for use.